Dental school celebrates bumper interest

on 23 October 2012

With a total of 1675 applications, this equates to 12 per every available place for medicine and 10 for dentistry; this includes around 14 and 16 applications per place respectively from prospective international students.

The figures are based on applications received through UCAS by the 15 October 2012. The new medical and dental school has 80 medical places (plus six international) and 64 for dentistry.

Building on the successful legacy of the former Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, last year PCMD received a ratio of fewer than eight applications per place for medicine and just under seven for dentistry.

The new schools were formed this year following the disaggregation of PCMD.

New dean, and former vice dean of PCMD, Professor Rob Sneyd said: ‘The past year has been about winning hearts and minds in addressing concerns over the viability of having two medical and medical/dental schools in the region, especially Plymouth as the smaller of the two. This is something we have never been in any doubt about, but I’m delighted that the application figures can now speak for themselves, especially given the first year was always going to be the most challenging one.’

Professor Wendy Purcell, vice-chancellor of Plymouth University added: ‘These application figures are testament to the excellence of our medical and dental schools’ unrivalled offer. We have an amazing team of world-class researchers, clinicians and academics who are dedicated to delivering a first class student experience and training doctors and dentists who are highly skilled and connected to their community. Our students are out there working with patients from day one, be it offering free dental care to over 5,000 local people per week or getting exclusive hands-on experience at Derriford Hospital, the region’s premier trauma centre – there is no better training ground and clearly this is being recognised by prospective students.’